Taylor's wicket the key
The positive response that fans would have been hoping for after the 335-run loss in the first Test awaits a final push by Bangladesh, as today Zimbabwe need 263 runs while Bangladesh need only six wickets to level the two-match Test series.
This advantageous position was made possible by a 109-run first innings lead courtesy of Robiul Islam's second successive five-wicket haul, an 84-run fifth wicket partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim on Saturday, and positive batting by Mushfiqur and Nasir Hossain yesterday morning.
As much as the aforementioned factors however, Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor's dismissal late on the fourth day will be a big boost for the Tigers, evidenced by Nasir's words at the post-day press conference.
“Of course it is a big moment,” said Nasir of Ziaur Rahman's dismissal of the man who had, till yesterday, scored 309 runs from three innings in the series. “That was our main target when we came out to bowl.”
“We are in a very good position as far as the match goes. If we can take two quick wickets in the morning, then hopefully the match will be ours,” said Nasir, who scored 67 in partnership with Mushfiqur and the tail.
A danger remains for the Tigers in the form of Hamilton Masakadza, one of Zimbabwe's two best batsmen along with Taylor, who was batting on 46 at close of play with Zimbabwe on 138 for four. “I do not think he can single-handedly win the match. The wicket on the fifth day will not be easy, especially if we can bowl well,” said Nasir.
“Today was a good day, maybe they have scored a little too many, but we have taken four wickets,” he added.
Another possible danger remains in the form of Elton Chigumbura, the hard-hitting all-rounder who top-scored with 86 in Zimbabwe's first innings. He was not sent in to bat at his usual number six position, Shinghi Masakadza joining his brother during the late stages of the day instead. If the two Masakadzas deny the Tigers bowlers in the morning today, Chigumbura's threat may be a source of worry for Bangladesh.
“Elton is someone who plays his shots and that was not what we needed at that point,” explained Zimbabwe batting coach Grant Flower. “Bangladesh will be under a lot of pressure from fans back home to win this Test, and we are hoping to use that tomorrow,” the former Zimbabwe batting star said.
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